You will need to provide more details to register, which will make the electoral register more secure. You will need your date of birth and your national insurance number to hand.

Previously, the head of the household was responsible for registering everyone who lived at the address. Now every individual is responsible for their own voter registration. The new system is also more secure because it asks for more details. This will make it more resistant to electoral fraud.

The Electoral Register is updated and re-published following the canvass each year, normally at 1 December. It is used for elections to the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament (Westminster), the European Parliament, local elections to appoint Councillors, at national referendums and in the election of Community Councils.

Not everyone whose name appears in the Register has the right to vote at all elections or referenda.

If you are in the British forces, living overseas, a student, have no fixed home or are unsure of your eligibility visit the About My Vote website, for more information on registering.

Postal or Proxy Voting

If you want to vote by post and haven't already applied you should apply by 5pm on Tuesday 18 April 2017. You can appoint a proxy but must apply before 5pm on 25 April.

If you are on the register and would prefer to vote by post or appoint a proxy, simply complete a form and return it to the Electoral Registration Office at 20 City Square.

Regulations require us to collect personal identifier information – your signature and date of birth. This is held securely and will be used at election times to compare against the signature and date of birth which has to be provided on a security statement returned with postal votes.